Monday, August 23

The CDP 2010-2011 Fall TV Preview.

For the SIXTH. YEAR. IN. A. ROW, the CDP Fall TV Preview has returned for the 2010-2011 Season. And even though the new batch of shows looks to be...less than promising, we still have the scoop on over 50 premiering and returning programs, including a preview of one of the most anticipated TV premieres in CDP History (read on). I've done as much research as I could to get the correct dates and timeslots (current as of August 22), and I've stuck to network schedules as much as possible. All times Central, let's go.

I'm sticking with tried-and-true favorites on Sunday night, and the more mindless the entertainment, the better. I don't know about you, but there are some nights where I'll pass on watching something cerebral merely because I'm too exhausted or lazy to focus so intently on a program. Therefore, I can't think of a better night to watch children kicked in the nuts and grown men suffering concussions by the truckload. Oh, and The Simpsons.

If you were trying to learn a little something about who me and the Missus are as a couple, our Monday night viewing habits probably wouldn't grant you too much access. From the quirky class of Antiques Roadshow, to the rubbernecking freakshow of Hoarders, to...the rubbernecking freakshow of Monday Night Raw, we pretty much cover all of our bases.

Any TV show that focuses on the weight of the main characters is a joke that's not funny.

The Missus is usually out of the house on Tuesday nights, so this is a light night when it comes to quality viewing. Detroit 1-8-7 has promise, Louie has been a surprise hit for FX, and Dirty Jobs just might be the best reality program on television right now.

Even though Lost is gone, Wednesday is still my favorite night of the week for television, sporting some of my favorite programs in Modern Family, Friday Night Lights, Mythbusters and The Ultimate Fighter. However, if I could recommend an under-the-radar program for the cerebral smartass, I highly suggest that you check out SyFy's Destination Truth.

As much as I would like a Thirtysomething for my own generation, previous attempts have failed miserably (see Quarterlife). However, I will give My Generation a chance. $#*! My Dad Says is already shaping up to be the Cavemen of 2010, with our only saving grace being the solid Must-See TV lineup by NBC, presumably the only decent thing the network has left.

FRIDAY

I Will Be Watching...

7:00-9:00 - Friday Night Smackdown (SYFY)

And I Might Take A Chance On...

8:00-9:00 - Supernatural (CW - Premieres 9/24)

But I Will Avoid At All Costs...

Body Of Proof (ABC)

I watched the entire first season of Supernatural, but lost track of it as it continued forward. I did think it was a decent, well-written and fun show, so I might check back up on it to see how it's been holding up. Other than that, my Fridays consist of (minimal) socializing and (maximum) drinking, so I really don't have any more time for the small screen come Prime Time. Friday nights usually boast MMA action on HDNet, so chances are I'll be watching that if I'm in front of the TV at all.

I watch Cops every Saturday night, regardless of whether or not it's a rerun. Generally, whenever I ask someone why they don't watch Cops, they're either not interested, or feed me some self-righteous gibberish about racism and abuse of authority. I will argue this point if necessary, but I understand the basis. Personally, I enjoy that it's still one of the purest shows on network television, and will probably run forever as long as the interest remains.

The biggest news in cable is the November return of Conan O'Brien to TBS. It'll be interesting to see what (if anything) will be different on his show compared to the previous ones, but it'll certainly spell a ratings boom for the network, and a triumphant call to arms for O'Brien's legions of fans (myself included).

I still enjoy the Lost Finale, still think it ended correctly, and I'm still waiting for the perfect time to watch the series from start-to-finish once again.

HOLY CRAP...THE WALKING DEAD.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the October premiere of The Walking Dead on AMC. Adapted from the absolutely phenomenal Robert Kirkman comic, it sincerely looks like they're going to do this correctly, and the concept of a zombie television show is something that has never really been done before in such a grandiose capacity. Myself and millions of other Walking Dead fans are praying for a smash hit, and goddamn it, so should you.

Well, there you have it, another Fall TV Preview in the books. Stick around the CDP this September, as I announce who won the CDP Worldwide Mix-Tape Trade 8 (and a copy of my next book!), along with a few hints and sneak-peeks at said new book, which is around two months away from global release. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.